Uzbekistan, Tashkent, April 8 / Trend D.Azizov /
Tashkent hosted a meeting for foreign ministers of the EU and Central Asia on April 7, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry's Jahon news agency reported.
During the meeting, the sides reached a number of mutual understandings on complex issues and affirmed the importance in conducting joint efforts for continued development of EU-Central Asia cooperation within all spheres of mutual interest.
The sides considered the current state and perspectives of developmental relations between the EU and Central Asia, geared at implementation of the new EU strategy in Central Asia. The meeting also mulled over trade-economic cooperation and regional interaction in energy, environment, use of water resources, border security and combating drug trafficking; the ministers expressed their willingness to support regional countries in addressing these issues through enhanced cooperation.
The ministers exchanged various opinions on the situation in Afghanistan and other mutual concerns regarding regional security.
The participants stressed the importance of establishing cooperation in such issues as democratization, human rights and rule of law. The development of strong civil society as part of democratic development was also stressed.
In regard to environment and energy concerns, the meeting stressed the importance of cooperation throughout Central Asia be means of rational, effective and sustainable use of water, hydro-energy, fuel resources and protection of the environment. The delegation confirmed a readiness to assist in providing advanced experience in bringing in clean water, improving sanitary conditions, fighting climate change by increasing efficient energy and water-use and by preserving eco-balance in the region.
The ministers confirmed a common interest in expanding economic cooperation in trade and investment initiatives. The EU delegation voiced their desire to assist the regional countries with the implementation of social-economic reforms and regional integration to the global economy.
The EU delegation also held bilateral negotiations with Central Asian state officials, to discuss issues of bilateral cooperation.
Following the bilateral negotiations, a Protocol was signed on Amendments to the Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between Uzbekistan and the European Community.
The same day, Uzbekistan and Hungary held political consultations at the level of the foreign Ministers.
Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Elyor Ganiev led an Uzbek delegation at the EU-Central Asia meeting. Turkmenistan was represented by deputy chairperson of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, Kyrgyzstan- Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev, Tajikistan - First Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmudjon Sobirov and Kazakhstan - Deputy Foreign Minister Konstantin Jigalov.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Janos Martonyi, the EU Commissioner on development Andris Piebalgs and EU Special Representative for Central Asia Pierre Morel represented the European Union.